Murrieta Man Shoots Rifle in Domestic Dispute, Police Say

A Murrieta man was behind bars Friday after police say he shot an AK-47-style rifle through the roof of an apartment building during a domestic violence dispute.

Murrieta police responded to The Reserves at Madison Park in the 41000 block of Juniper Street at 9:22 a.m. Friday after a female victim reported the shooting, according to Sgt. Jon Flavin.

After making contact with the victim, officers learned 22-year-old Joseph Farmer III had allegedly fired two rounds from a rifle into the ceiling of one of the apartments, Flavin said.

The victim lives in the apartment with Farmer, and told police Farmer had discharged the firearm while the two were in an argument.

"Officers set up a perimeter around the apartment and were able to make contact with Farmer via cellular phone," Flavin said.

He surrendered to police peacefully, Flavin said.

During a search of the apartment, a loaded AK-47-type rifle was recovered, Flavin said.

Two rounds allegedly fired by Farmer went through the ceiling of the top-floor apartment and exited through the roof of the apartment building, the sergeant said.

Officers checked the apartment complex and surrounding areas for possible gunshot victims, but none were found, he said.

Farmer was booked into the Southwest Detention Center on suspicion of domestic violence, shooting at an inhabited dwelling and negligent discharge of a weapon, all of which are felonies. He was being held on $50,000 bail.

Lt. Tony Conrad said the rifle was legally registered to Farmer.

Anyone with information about the incident was encouraged to contact the Murrieta Police Department at 951-304-COPS(2677).